BROCKTON, Mass. – The identity of a female victim found dead, bound and burned in Bridgewater three weeks ago has been identified and State Police and Bridgewater Police have announced the name of a suspect.
Fernando Owens, 43, of Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood is wanted in connection with the homicide.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call state police at 508-947-8087 or Bridgewater police at 508-697-6118.
29-year-old Ashley Bortner of New Jersey, was found burned at the scene in Bridgewater.
Bridgewater Police received a 911 call at approximately 11:40 pm Tuesday night for a report of a suspicious vehicle parked and two people seen in the area of the MBTA railroad tracks at Oak and Crapo Streets in Bridgewater.
Upon arrival, Bridgewater Police discovered a fire burning on the west side of the tracks and determined that it was a human body burning.
Bridgewater Fire responded, extinguished the fire and determined the female victim deceased.
“We are totally blown away by this. Nothing in her, nothing would point to this. Relationship problems? Nothing. Nothing at all. And as family members, we sit around and speak, but we have no clue, it’s just a tragedy,” Ashley’s cousin Tracey told FOX29.
The family has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for her funeral and transportation.
The investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact State Police Detectives at 508-923-4000.
(Photo source: NBC Philly)
